Editor’s Note: This is part 2 of Coach Schmitt's series on the his Pistol Zone Run Series. To view part one, click here. Coach Schmitt has put together a 38-9 record through 4 years as the head coach at Atholton High School. During that time, his teams have won 1 County Championship and appeared in three Regional Championships during that time. Prior to his time at Atholton, Coach Schmitt served as a graduate assistant at the University of Maryland and as Tight Ends coach at St. Vincent College (PA).

This season we had a talented Slot Receiver/H-Back who allowed us to move from 1 to 2 back sets without changing personnel. As a No Huddle offense, keeping the same personnel on the field permitted us to constantly operate at a fast tempo. This also opened up the opportunity for multiple backfields and variations on our Zone Read Play as well as Power/Counter.

Zone Bluff

The Bluff action is very similar to our Slice play. The H-Back will cross the formation post snap but will avoid the EMLOS and block the first 2nd level/alley defender that he comes across. He is the lead blocker if the quarterback keeps the football. We are now reading the EMLOS. The Bluff play is beneficial versus aggressive defensive ends or teams that are squeezing their ends to take away the zone dive.

Zone Slice

This is a cross action of the H-Back post snap to kick out the defensive end. With the defensive end blocked, our QB will automatically hand the ball to the tailback. This play gives our offense the ability to guarantee we are running the Inside Zone play while assuring that the defensive end is being blocked. This play also gives us the cross action in our backfield to slow down the flow of linebackers. We will also run this play with motion or out of 3 back sets in order to add Jet Sweep action to our backfield.

Zone Arc

The Zone Arc can be run with a tight end, wing or fullback. Instead of cross-action, we are now arc releasing outside of the EMLOS and blocking the first 2nd level/alley defender. He is the lead blocker if the quarterback keeps the football.

What You're Missing:

The full-length version of this clinic report is available in X&O Labs' exclusive membership website - Insiders. Join today and get instant-access to Coach Schmitt's full-report on his zone read concepts out of the pistol offense including...

In-depth breakdown of 4 alternative Pistol Zone Concepts.

A look at how coach applies these concepts with the Diamond formation.

Position specific blocking assignments for each play.

Plenty of game film examples of Coach Schmitt's potent Pistol attack at work.